seeking recommendations: AR-15 free float forend tubes

[JustinJ]

I have a Troy Alpha, from before they became hated, on my rifle and really like it. My install was a bit tougher than most since I had to remove the Yankee Hill barrel nut and replace it with a stock nut for the Troy to work.

When and why did they become hated? I have the one that came before it that uses a propriety barrel nut and I've been very pleased.

 

[68wj]

When and why did they become hated? I have the one that came before it that uses a propriety barrel nut and I've been very pleased.

Corporate principals more than product quality. That is a whole 'nuther thread though.

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

When and why did they become hated? I have the one that came before it that uses a propriety barrel nut and I've been very pleased.

They don't seem to want it talked about much on here but heres a thread on another forum discussing it in detail http://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/...o-police-commish-hires-ruby-ridge-sniper.html

While your at it you might as well join if you aren't a member of TGT my fellow Austinite (well actually I live in Hutto but close enough).

 

[mastiffhound]

Troy Alpha rail, it was easy to install, lightweight, didn't cost an arm and a leg, and is rock solid. You can install rails anywhere you want too. I'm happier with it than my Midwest SS or my Troy Bravo free float. The Troy rails use the original barrel nut unlike my Midwest. I really like the how thin the Alpha rail is compared to my Bravo. It's also thinner than my Midwest. It is by far my favorite, I suggest it to everybody. I've had 3 friends from work get them after testing mine out.

 

[Krusty783]

I have a Lancer carbon fiber fore end. It doesn't get much lighter, but the install uses red loctite so it's semi-permanent. The procedure is simple enough that you should be able to do it yourself. (Red loctite melts at ~475, so you'd have to leave the upper in a 500 oven for awhile or use a torch to melt the loctite.)

But, it's very light and quite ergonomic, and accepts attachment rails so you can mount VFGs or lights, or anything else without having a full rail.

I have a mid-length and wanted the gas block covered so I chose a 13" rail. I can see now that a 9 1/2" or whatever that next smallest size is would have covered the gb; apparently Lancer's length refers to the actual carbon fiber piece and not the overall length.

 

[Charger442]

i am partial to Seekins Precision stuff. Their SAR line is really light.

 

[Robert]

They don't seem to want it talked about much on here

That is not the case, it is more that their internal issues have little bearing on the mission of THR.

 

[henschman]

x2 for the MI-SS. I have one and like it a lot. I like it better than the Troy TRX I have on another rifle... it is lighter, slimmer, feels better in the hand, and doesn't support a company that hires anti 2A people and JBTs.

 

[maniak]

Thanks, Again.

Thanks, again, to everyone who posted on this thread.
I wound up going with the JP Enterprises.
I obviously couldn't follow all the great advice you all provided, but I feel like you made it possible for me to make an informed decision that I'm confident I'll be happy with.
I've taken delivery on a carbine-length, grey foreend to which I'll be adding a short (2") rail in one of the bottom slots for a vertical grip: good-looking and it will weigh in at exactly as little as it can for what I want.
I haven't installed it yet. I'll be sure to post pictures when I do.
Great job, High Roaders!

 

[hardluk1]

I am pleased with RRA TRO free float tube. Comes with a full length rail and locations for two more side rails.

 

[Fishbed77]

I have become a big fan of the Rainier Arms Evolution free-float forearms.

These are made by Samson and are mostly identical to the Samson Evolution forearms, but the Rainier versions have larger cutouts, so they weight less, and they run a few bucks less than the Samson versions. They also look better, if that matters to you. Like other similar designs (Troy Alpha, Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS, etc), they are very slim and allow placement of accessory rails where needed.

https://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/browse&category=railedforearms_rainierarms

I've found them to be very well-made, very easy to install (mounts to a standard AR barrel nut), and rock-solid when mounted.

 

[maniak]

The Finished Product

Here's how it came out.
Besides the JP Free Float Hand Guard, other upgrades/additions to the Rock River LAR-15 include an Aimpoint red dot sight, a Leapers UTG folding low-profile vertical fore grip, a BCM "Gunfighter" Charging Handle and a Spectre 3-point Sling.
That may be all I'll ever add to that bARbie.
Also pictured:

• Wilson Combat Ultralight 1911 (w/FIST holster)
• Benchmade Spring-Assisted Folding Knife

They're laid out in a 5.11 carbine-sized, soft-sided case.
Again, thanks to all who've posted in this thread!

 

[shootr]

Very nice - I think you made a great choice!

 

[Goju]

All of my ARs are range or hunting rifles. When I built them I did not want to use, or have any use for a tactical quad rail type forend. So for my first build, I settled on a Armalite fiberglass tube. While heavy, the thing is bombproof and I have been very happy with it. Sadly, I do not think they have been made for several years. On my 6.5G hunting carbine, I initially went with a JP mid length tube. The concept, function and fit are first rate. I hunted with it for a few seasons, and decided to replace it for 2 reasons - aluminum tubes can make some noisey unnatural sounds when knocking around in the woods, and hanging on to an aluminum tube in frigid deer hunting weather does not enhance ones hunting experience. So I replaced the JP tube with an Alexander Arms G10 tube, and it has totally satisfied my needs.
For anyone else still hunting for options, the PRI carbon fiber tubes are great, but are pretty spendy.